Jesus Always Small Deluxe: Embracing Joy in His Presence

by Sarah Young

January 1

Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! As you begin a fresh year, rejoice that I am continually working newness into your life. Don 't let recent disappointments and failures define you or dampen your expectations. This is the time to make a fresh start! I am a God of unlimited creativity; expect me to do surprising things in this year that stretches out before you.

today is a precious gift. The present moment is where I meet with you, beloved. So seek My Face throughout this day that I have made. I have carefully prepared it for you—with tender attention to every detail. I want you to rejoice and be glad in it.

Search for signs of My loving Presences as you journey along the path of Life. Look for the little pleasures I have strewn alongside your pathway—sometimes in surprising places—and thank Me for each one. Your thankfulness will keep you close to Me and help you find Joy in your journey.

Isaiah 43:18-19; Psalm 118:24 ESV; Psalm 16:11 NKJV

January 2

I am your Joy! These four words can light up your life. Since I am always with you, the Joy of My Presence is continually accessible to you. You can open up to My Presence through your trust in Me, your love for Me. Try saying, "Jesus You are my Joy." My Light will shine upon you and within you as you rejoice in Me, your Savior. Ponder all I have done for you and all that I am to you. This will lift you up above your circumstances.

Wehn you became My follower, I empowered you to rise above the conditions in your life. I filled you with My Spirit, and this Holy Helper has limitless Power. I promised that I will come back and take you to be with Me in heaven—that you may be where I am forever. Whenever your world is looking dark, brighten your perspective by focusing on Me. Relax in My Presence, and hear Me saying, "Beloved, I am your Joy!"

Psalm 21:6; Philippians 4:4 NKJV; John 14:3

January 3

Be still, and know that I am God. Most Christians are familiar with this command, but not so many take it seriously. Yet for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. As these believers sit in stillness—focusing on Me and My Word—their perception of Me expands and their troubles shrink in importance.

I want you to share in these blessings, beloved. Take time, take time with Me. While you rest in My Presence, I untangle your thoughts and help you view things more biblically. Remember: My Word is a lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path. Biblical thinking illuminates the path before you so you can find your way.

It 's crucial to know not only that I am God but that I made you and you are Mine. You are a sheep of My pasture. Sheep have very limited understanding of what their shepherd is doing for them, but they follow him anyway. Similarly, as My "sheep," your job is to trust Me and follow wherever I lead.

Psalm 46:10 NKJV; John 7:38; Psalm 119:105 NLT; Psalm 100:3

January 4

Find Joy in Me, for I am your Strength. It is vital to keep your Joy alive, especially when you 're in the throes of adversity. Whenever you are struggling with difficulties, you nedd to guard your thoughts and spoken words carefully. If you focus too much on all the things that are wrong, you will become increasingly discouraged—and your strength will be sapped. As soon as you realize what is happening, stop this hurtful process immediately. Turn to Me, asking Me to help you with all your struggles.

Take time to praise Me: Speak or sing words of worship. Read scriptures that help you rejoice in Me.

Remember that your problems are temporary but I am eternal—and so is your relationship with Me. As you find Joy in Me, delighting in My unfailing Love for you, your strength will increase. This is the Joy of the Lord, which is yours for all time and throughout eternity!